The Ecological Table Brings Mess and Meal Together with an Earthy Touch

Meals can get messy, and though it's nice to approach a clean eating surface before dinner begins, the Ecological Table serves up a different surprise.

Jip Piet Hilhorst designed this earthy piece of furniture using moisture-rich dark soil. I imagine there must be some inner structure to keep the heavy dirt in such a sturdy rigid form, but the observer can see no indication of any additional support. Four thickset square legs hold up a compact tabletop which features a delectable selection of live leafy greens.

The concept of a clean surface is abandoned in this organic rethinking of a common object, offering tiny plants and herbs that come built into the Ecological Table. Perhaps the underlying message of this biological bench is a suggestion of healthy and sustainable nutrition?